A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sukhothai vs. Islamabad for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Sukhothai or Islamabad?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Sukhothai and Islamabad can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Sukhothai or Islamabad?

Sukhothai

If you are the kind of wandering traveler looking to find calm and inner peace, you will want to add Sukhothai to your list. Also known as "the dawn of happiness," this area is best known for the ruins of the ancient city of Sukhothai – the capital of Thailand during the 13th century. As the first capital of Siam, the area's temples and monuments are restored and ready for visitors from around the world.

Islamabad

Islamabad is the capital of Pakistan, specially built in the 1960's to replace the former capital, Karachi. Most of the city's population are employees of the government, though many people come from all over Pakistan to enjoy the city's peaceful atmosphere and green spaces, museums, and monuments.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Thailand, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan.


Which place is cheaper, Islamabad or Sukhothai?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Sukhothai is $59, while the average daily cost in Islamabad is $42. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Sukhothai and Islamabad in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sukhothai $23
    Islamabad $20
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sukhothai $46
    Islamabad $40
Compare Hotels in Sukhothai and Islamabad

Looking for a hotel in Sukhothai or Islamabad? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Sukhothai


Hotels in Islamabad


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Sukhothai Hotel Prices and Islamabad Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sukhothai $17
    Islamabad $7.68

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sukhothai

Also for Sukhothai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer to Bangkok City: $322
  • Private Transfer to Bangkok City: $268
  • One -Way Private Transfer to Chiang Mai: $187
  • Sukhothai Hotel Transfer: to/from Chiang Mai Hotel Transfer: $159
  • Sukhothai : private car transfer to/from Chiang Mai: $138
  • Sukhothai airport: Transfer to Sukhothai Historical Park: $78

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Islamabad

Also for Islamabad, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transit Trip: Murree Exploration Day Trip & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $140
  • Private Transfer from Islamabad Airport to Pakistan: $61
  • Private Chauffeur: Arrival Transfer Airport Pick up (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore): $50
  • Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Departures: $55
  • Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Arrival: $55
  • Islamabad International Airport Transfer - DEPARTURE: $40
  • Islamabad International Airport Transfer - ARRIVAL: $40
  • Islamabad International Airport Transfer: $35
  • Islamabad International Airport Departure Drop off Transfer : $55
  • Islamabad International Airport Arrival Pick up Transfer: $55

Is it cheaper to fly into Sukhothai or Islamabad?

Prices for flights to both Islamabad and Sukhothai change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Sukhothai $19
    Islamabad $15

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sukhothai $33
    Islamabad $9.48

Tours and Activities in Sukhothai

For Sukhothai, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Cycling Sukhothai Full Day Countryside Tour: $32
  • 2.5-Hours Guided Countryside Sunset Bike Tour: $18
  • Full-Day Historical Park Cycling Tour with Lunch: $42
  • Half-Day Countryside Bike Tour: $26
  • Historical Park & Countryside Cycling Tour: $42

Tours and Activities in Islamabad

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Islamabad.

  • 5-Hour Private Guided Tour in Islamabad City: $130
  • Best of Islamabad Half Day Tour With Meal At Monal Restaurant (Morn & Eve Slots): $100
  • From 15 Day Trekking Tour of Thalay and Nangma: $3,070
  • From 9-Day Colors of Hunza Valley Cultural Tour: $2,065
  • From Full Day Guided Taxila Ruins Exploration Tour: $150
  • From Full Day Historical Peshawar Guided City Tour: $160
  • From Skardu and Baltistan Cultural Tour with Food: $2,339
  • Full Day Private Guided Tour of Taxila Gandahara Civilization : $140
  • Full-Day Sightseeing Tour Of Islamabad: $80
  • Full-day Essential Islamabad Tour: $150
  • Islamabad City Tour : $150
  • Islamabad City Tour With Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument & Lunch : $110

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sukhothai $12
    Islamabad $2.88


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sukhothai and Islamabad, we can see that Sukhothai is more expensive. And not only is Islamabad much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Islamabad would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Islamabad and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Sukhothai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sukhothai than you might in Islamabad.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sukhothai Expensive? and Is Islamabad Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Sukhothai or Islamabad?

Islamabad has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Sukhothai. When comparing the sizes of Sukhothai and Islamabad, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Sukhothai or Islamabad?

Islamabad has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Sukhothai experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Islamabad in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sukhothai and Islamabad. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Sukhothai year-round.

The heat can be very extreme in Islamabad. Sukhothai is cooler than Islamabad in the summer. The daily temperature in Sukhothai averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Islamabad fluctuates around 32°C (90°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamabad this time of the year. Sukhothai usually receives less sunshine than Islamabad during summer. Sukhothai gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Islamabad receives 247 hours of full sun in the summer.

Islamabad receives a lot of rain in the summer. Sukhothai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Sukhothai usually receives less rain than Islamabad. Sukhothai gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sukhothai 29°C (84°F) 
    Islamabad 32°C (90°F)

Should I visit Sukhothai or Islamabad in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Sukhothai as well as Islamabad. Sukhothai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the autumn, Sukhothai is around the same temperature as Islamabad. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sukhothai in October average around 28°C (83°F), and Islamabad averages at about 26°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sukhothai this time of the year. In the autumn, Sukhothai often gets less sunshine than Islamabad. Sukhothai gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Islamabad receives 287 hours of full sun.

Sukhothai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Sukhothai usually gets more rain in October than Islamabad. Sukhothai gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, October to April in Sukhothai is the dry season. May to October in Sukhothai is the rainy season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sukhothai 28°C (83°F) 
    Islamabad 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Sukhothai or Islamabad in the Winter?

Both Islamabad and Sukhothai are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Sukhothai throughout the year.

In January, Sukhothai is generally much warmer than Islamabad. Daily temperatures in Sukhothai average around 25°C (77°F), and Islamabad fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

It's quite sunny in Islamabad. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sukhothai. Sukhothai usually receives more sunshine than Islamabad during winter. Sukhothai gets 266 hours of sunny skies, while Islamabad receives 213 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Sukhothai usually receives less rain than Islamabad. Sukhothai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sukhothai 25°C (77°F) 
    Islamabad 14°C (57°F)

Should I visit Sukhothai or Islamabad in the Spring?

Both Islamabad and Sukhothai during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Sukhothai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It's very hot in Sukhothai this time of the year. Sukhothai is a little warmer than Islamabad in the spring. The daily temperature in Sukhothai averages around 32°C (89°F) in April, and Islamabad fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sukhothai. In the spring, Sukhothai often gets more sunshine than Islamabad. Sukhothai gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Islamabad receives 258 hours of full sun.

Sukhothai usually gets more rain in April than Islamabad. Sukhothai gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year. October to April is the dry season in Sukhothai. May to October is the rainy season in Sukhothai.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sukhothai 32°C (89°F) 
    Islamabad 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Islamabad and Sukhothai

Sukhothai Islamabad
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 14°C (57°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Mar 30°C (86°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 32°C (89°F) 51 mm (2 in) 27°C (80°F) 37 mm (1.4 in)
May 31°C (87°F) 189 mm (7.4 in) 32°C (89°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Jun 30°C (85°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 35°C (94°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jul 29°C (84°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 32°C (90°F) 237 mm (9.3 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 257 mm (10.1 in) 31°C (89°F) 221 mm (8.7 in)
Sep 29°C (84°F) 241 mm (9.5 in) 31°C (87°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 28°C (83°F) 157 mm (6.2 in) 26°C (80°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)


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